"Binge-watching", Game of Thrones, and watching television

"Binge watching", on cable and satellite, is effective.  For the audience, due to current lifestyles, it's a way for them to try a show they haven't been exposed to.  For broadcasters and channels, it might be a way to get people consider a show.  HBO had a marathon showing of Game of Thrones over the weekend.

I never understood why people watched the show.  I never wanted to.  For me, it was like The Sopranos.  Or American Idol.  A television show that seemed to be more in fashion than anything else:  people were watching it because others were.  I assume it has a cult following (this from a self-confessed "Trekkie").  And, Game of Thrones is not in the genre I have been interested in.  I like few productions with medieval themes.  The movie "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and the television show "When Things Were Rotten", both produced by Mel Brooks.  And the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

Unless I have a fondness for a television program, I channel-surf.  When I did not see a program I wanted to commit to...out of curiosity, I tuned to Game of Thrones.  I did not focus any attention to it, and was involved in other activities.  I did watch on and off throughout the entire weekend.  But I cannot say I will be watching future episodes.

The characters of Osha and Ygritte reminded me of (the types of) women I had dated, and would...that's a different subject completely.  Tyrion Lannister and Bronn questioning Podrick Payne as to why he didn't pay prostitutes was very entertaining.  The storylines are intricate...I would prefer to follow them by reading books so I can understand how everything relates.

When the channel BBC America had a Doctor Who marathon, I did the same.  I never had any interest in the show...but, it was available, and it was easy for me to become accustomed to it.

Binge-watching appears to have been successful for Netflix with their show "House of Cards".  I have no interest in that particular show, as well as paying to watch any programs.  As it is I have not had free time to follow shows on over-the-air television I favor, which are available for streaming for free via the internet:  The Big Bang Theory, The Blacklist, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Almost Human, and many more.

Crackle, Hulu, and others provide free content for when I have time.  The economy has been rough on many households and people.  It's bound to cause (more) changes in how consumers get their content, including the content they choose to partake of.

How to syndicate a radio show, "Coast to Coast" (book review)

I've always been a super-supporter of radio stations broadcasting local content.  Not that I'm against (some) national programs.  For me, there has always been more opportunity for creativity when there is feedback from a nearby audience...as I write this I'm reminded of how when on stage an audience can enhance the performance, rather than when being on camera in a studio (with no audience) and having the show broadcast to affiliates.


That said, after years of preparing and targeting my shows to a specific geographic audience...because of the very sad state of lack of management in broadcasting who have love for the medium...I have become agreeable to consider having my performances syndicated.  (Because of the lack of vision in the industry, I have come to appreciate the openess of the internet.  And I enjoy that I am responsible for what I choose to do, and choose to not do.)

Should you be interested in creating a program for broadcast radio stations, read "Coast to Coast:  The Radio DJ's Syndication How-To Guide" written by Randy ("R Dub") Williams.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 - My Story
"Buh-Bye now" - The Day I Got Fired
Radio Geek
The Dazzling Desert
It's a Hard Knock Life
Home Again Home Again Jiggety-Jig
Syndication: Who Me?


Chapter Two - Truth Hurts: What Syndicators Really Want From You
The Low Down

Chapter Three - Getting There: The Road to Syndication
Step One - The Show
Step Two - Launching The Show Locally
Step Three - Crafting The Show
Step Four - First Measurement
Step Five - Prepping For Syndication
Step Six - Your First Station
Step Seven - Analyzing Your First Affiliate
Step Eight - Growing Your Show
Step Nine - The Deal: Getting Signed

Chapter 4 - You've Got a Syndication Deal, Now What?
The Customer Is Always Right
More Stations!
Investing In Your Show
Moving Forward & Growing Your Brand
Good Luck and Goodnight

Chapter 5 - But Don't Take My Word For It:  Words of Wisdom from The Pros
The Talkers
The DJs and Mixers
Imaging and Special Features
The Syndicators

Special Section: R Dub's Toolbox
The Studio - What You Need, Where to Get It, and How Much Does it Cost?
R Dub!'s Lil' Black Book - Crucial Contacts

He is not going to have all of the answers for you, and he doesn't claim to.  What his book does is give you the framework around what you need take into consideration, preferably before you begin attempting to syndicate a program on radio stations.

I am very proud to say that I contributed to his success...even if it was for him to learn from my mistakes.

Shit My Dad Says, book review

"...Justin Halpern...his seventy-three-year-old dad....who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him..."

Introduction, page "x":

"...all day long I dealt with people...who never really said what they were thinking.  The more time I spent with my dad...the more grateful I started to feel..."

In the beginning of the book we learn of the events that led to the creation of the Twitter account, the book, and the television show.

Throughout the book are examples of his father expressing himself as thoughts come to him...stream of consciousness commenting, if you will.

The more of the book I read, the more I laughed.  Loudly.  Many times...

This is a book that can be read for short periods of time.  It's great for those times when you have a break in the action. But, not if you're in areas where you need to be quiet and maintain control over outbursts: it may cause moments of grinning and laughing.

Beginning September 23rd, the television show will be on the CBS network on Thursdays at 8:30 pm Eastern/7:30 pm Central

http://twitter.com/shitmydadsays

http://shitmydadsays.tumblr.com/

http://shitmydadsays.com/

book review - Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things

Overall, the book contains stories about the experiences that the writers had with hoarders.  From observations, to attempts at treatment.  And there is A LOT of great information that will enlighten and educate about hoarding, and those who hoard.

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On the inside cover/jacket of the book:

"Think about the one thing you own that you would grab first in a fire.  Now imagine feeling that strongly about every single possession...

"...piles on on sofas and beds that make the furniture useless, homes that have to be navigated by narrow 'goat trails', stacks of paper..."

I know a person like this...and have known them for decades...

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What is the definition of a hoarder?  Throughout the book some reasonable parameters are given for consideration...

On page 100:
"The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders...lists hoarding as one of eight symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)...it defines hoarding as 'the inability to discard worn-out of worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value'."

On page 50:
"...The difference between people who hoard and those who don't is in the valume and variety of things they view as 'useful'.  For example, one elderly hoarder saved the labels from cands and jars of food to use as stationary."

On page 58:
"..Hoarding is not defined by the number of possessions, but by  how the acquisition and management of those possessions affects their owner.  When hoarding causes distress or impairs one's ability to perform basic functions, it has crossed the line into pathology...

"...people with hoarding problems fill the space they are living in regardless of the size or number of storage units they have.  We have seen clients who own four or five houses.  When they fill one house, the move on to another and fill it in short order...The more space they have available, the more space they fill..."

And, some guidelines on how to differentiate between hoarders and "collectors"...

Page 239:
"..Perhaps the best way to make the distinction between hoarding and normal collecting is to determine whether the behavior creates a problem for the family..."

And on page 267, it is said that true hoarding fouls "living spaces".

Which is what I've considered to be a reasonable parameter of whether a hoarder needs to make changes:  for me, it's not the amount of items that they keep, and I don't always care about neatness...but dirt and filth accumulation that is unhealthy is unacceptable.

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I have never seriously considered how people (can) become hoarders.  But it appears that other situations that can cause people to have other issues and problems, can contribute to this as well.

Page 34:
"...In several recent studies, people with hoarding problems recalled disconnected relationships with their parents, particularly their fathers."

Page 197:
"...Our recent research indicates that an abscence of warmth, acceptance, and suport characterizes the early family life of many hoarders, perhaps leading them to form strong emotional atachments to possessions."

And on page 88:
"...One study showeed that hoarders who experienced traumatic events had more severe hoarding problems than those who were not exosed to trauma..."

Throughout their lives, some hoarders have developed better relationships with things than with people:  things may not have disappointed them as much as people...things don't yell, lie, change their moods, and hurt their feelings.

In the book it is exposed that those with tendencies to hoarding animals may be using the relationships with animals to substitute for, or replace, potential and/or former relationships with people.

Returning to the consideration of abuse, on page 87:
"...When describing their reactions to someone else discarding one of their belongings, a number of our clients have said, 'It feels like I've been raped'.  It is possible that in some people, hoarding mght develop as a response to severe trauma..."

Page 55:
"...Most burglary victims feel that they have been violated, and many women liken it to being raped."

Some characteristics of hoarders include:  perfectionism, indecision, and powerful beliefs about...and attachment to...objects.

Research has found that those as a child who prefer symmetry (of which I am guilty), and have arranging compulsions, can be similar to to those with hoarding problems.  A desire for symmetry and arranging, and hoarding, all have to do with physical objects...

Those who have attention deficit problems, and attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can also be possible candidates to become hoarders.

The mind of hoarders also tends to be more "busy"...

Page 211:
"...We have noticed an inordinate number of hoarders who describe themselves as artists.  This might be because hoarders are more intelligent or creative than the rest of us, their worlds filled with an appreciation of the physical world that most of us lack.  This part of hoarding is a kind of giftedness, a special talent for seeing beauty, utility, and meaning in things.

"But along with this gift comes a curse...an overabundance of information paired with an inability to organize it...Maybe hoarding is creativity run amok."

And, on the negative side, so to speak:  "...Depression is a common affliction amoung hoarders..." (page 38)

Page 231:
"...people with this problem are less likely to marry, and when they do, they are more likely to get divorced...

"...many hoarders live without spouses:  no one wants to live with all that stuff..."

Some hoarders may not have suffered consequences that will cause them to address the issue, and cease hoarding.  That includes being abandoned by family members and spouses.

Children of hoarders suffer as much, if not more, than the hoarders.  They try to hide the issue from others:  friends, family members, etcetera.  And when they have shared the secret, those to whom it has been exposed to have developed a negative view of the child.  As well as the child's family, and the child's life in general.

"...Children who lived in a hoarded home before the age of ten were more embarrassed and less happy, had fewer friends...and had more strained relations...strained relationships...more hostile..." (page 227)

I was surprised to learn that there are support groups for the children of hoarders...one called Children of Hoarders (http://www.childrenofhoarders.com).

The book mentions some of the groups for hoarders, which are:
Messies Anonymous
Clutterless Recovery Groups
Clutterers Anonymous
and Overcoming Hoarding Together (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/H-C/)

The good news is that...
"Even if hoarding is inherited or driven by problems in the wiring of the brain, people with hoarding problems do seem to be able to learn to control them..." (page 214)

But, sometimes hoarders need to be forced to dispose of items.  And in other situations, the items need to be removed by others.  However, major changes can cause enough personal distress to an individual that...they die:
"...In 2007, the nantucket, Massachusetts, Health Department abandoned forced cleanouts when three consecutive hoarders died shortly after being returned to their cleaned-out homes..." (page 147)

There are reports from some hoarders that consuming marijuana has dimished their tendancies.  (Those that are bigoted against marijuana won't want to hear that, nor accept it, because it's another positive benefit that it can provide...)

There are issues in societies that may have contributed to hoarding.

Page 262:
"...an American culture of materialism and overconsumption and defined 'afluenza' as a contagious social affliction in which possessions take over our lives, and drain us of the very thngswe seek by acquiring them.

"...we may own the things in our homes, but they own us as well...Possessions orginally sold on the promise that they would make life easier and increase leisure tie have done just the opposite..."

Page 264:
"...materialism...Fromm...Possessions play a central role in the lives of materialists.  They are a means to self-enhancement, identity, and social standing, and the driving force in daily activities.  Materialists expect possessions...to make them happy.  Ironically, possessions seem to do the opposite...materialistic people are less satisfied with their lives and less happy than people without such an orientation toward 'having'..."

When my third ex-wife and I were moving out of our apartment, she offered to allow me to store some of my belongings in a storage facility that she had rented.  I have never felt the need to pay for storage.  Most of my life, if I could not have something with me...or care for it...I have not tried to obtain, and keep, it.  I've never been able to afford to invest in a house, furniture, a new vehicle, or jewelry so I have been spared the burden of owning too many things.  And that experience has also contributed to my accepted philosophy of only trying to keep that which I need to survive.  I've become accustomed to being a fan of public transportation and bicycles.  Most of my life has been very spartanisque...

I recommend this book for those that know hoarders.  And, this book should be given to hoarders...

Stuff:  Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things

Texts From Last Night, book review

Get ready for "the funny"...

I received a copy of the new book "Texts From Last Night: All the Texts No One Remembers Sending" which has entries from the website TextsFromLastNight.com. It was published in January...

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"...We started Texts From Last Night for our friends in February 2009. We opened it up to the public in April...

"Our book is the magnum opus of our website. As told through texts, the book has a Relationship Timeline, a Hookup Flowchart and a Choose Your Own Adventure section. We also have categories of texts such as 'Gay Pride', 'The Morning After' and 'Phone Mishaps'.

"We went through every page of our site to find the absolute funniest texts for the book. Then we went through every text ever submitted (at the time was something like 1.1 million of them)..."

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In the introduction of the book, we find that the reason...

"...we founded TFLN for reasons that include: Kwame Kilpatrick...old flings...repeatedly closing down bars and leaving old tabs open...

"...by pressing the send button a little too liberally. Those fuzzy memories used to live on in our inboxes until we ran out of room or we hit 'delete'."

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It gets off to a great start...the first text message is interesting and entertaining. All of the entries are good, until the fourth page...where one caused me to laugh out loud.

Here are a few entries that will illustrate how entertained I was:

"the read head has a bf"
"just because there's a goalie doesn't mean u can't score"

"u cheatin on me?"
"if i did i would try to upgrade babe"

"Discussing lingerie with my father. He likes sheer black things. Not the colorful stuff I wear."

"Dude, the girl next to me just farted. Worst part, it smells like astroglide"

"im at a bar and i misjudged a fart...go home or ride the night out?Never mind, the bouncer just made the decision for me...be home soon"

"That's not how I planned it, it's just the way she passed out"

"my mouth tastes like poor choices"

"When I first met her at the bar, she told me she was 23. After I bought her 3 shots of tequila, she told me she was really only 21. When we went back to my house, she said she was really only 19. She's still sleeping next to me butt naked. I'm afraid if she opens her mouth again I could be looking at 10 years."

"Whatever. They have the same name, so it's not even cheating. It's brand loyalty."

"Boobs are like coupons for free stuff"

"But I don't consider them one night stands. They're auditions."

Some of the entries were educational. For example, I've seen "happy trails", but never knew that was the name for them...

Some of the content is for adults , and very graphic...and very funny!

Since it consists of text messages, this book is great for those moments when you have nothing to do and some time to kill: you can begin to read it , and stop, at anytime.

With only 192 pages, this book will fit in a pocket (8.26 x 5.23 inches). And there are eBook formats.

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And, there's an (iPhone) app for that.

I've heard that a television show might be next...I'm (still) waiting on a response from Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison, to find the status of a situation-comedy they might be producing for FOX Broadcasting.

==============================

"Texts From Last Night: All the Texts No One Remembers Sending" is published by the Penguin Group.

There are Facebook, and Twitter, accounts.

The Power of the Invisible Sun, book

(This is the second of three posts regarding a package I received from a public relations agency that contained promotional material for projects they represent.)

"The Power of the Invisible Sun " is a book by Bobby Sager that contains...

"...photographs taken in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, from September 11, 2001 until early 2009 depict refugees, orphans, child soldiers, and just plain kids living with conflict, disaster, and displacement..."

"All of Bobby's proceeds from THE POWER OF THE INVISIBLE SUN go towards the HOPE IS A GAME-CHANGER PROJECT which puts indestructible soccer balls into the hands of kids in the most difficult places around the world. These balls are a lasting symbol of hope. A light no matter how small—the power of the invisible sun.

"While a soccer ball may seem a small thing to most, an indestructible soccer ball can mean so much more to a kid in really messed up places. Surviving the dirt roads and lots scattered with glass and debris they're so often kicked around on, each ball will come to represent an incredible and elevated sense of durability, longevity, possibility, hope. Put simply, these balls won’t let them down – and are the entry point to learning critical life skills through play – discipline, teamwork, citizenship, knowing how to give constructive feedback, and being a supportive friend."

Private Views, book reveiw

(This is the first post of three regarding a package I received from a public relations agency that contained promotional material for projects they represent.)

The name of the book is "Private Views"...

"In the early 1980s, photographer Barbara Crane embarked on a photographic project shot during Chicago's various summer festivals. Armed with a Super Speed Graphic camera and Polaroid film, Crane waded in close to the revelers and focused on capturing the details of clothing and hairstyles, but most important, gesture. The images are tightly cropped and terrifically alive, viscerally bringing us into the crush of people eating, drinking, and enjoying the crowd dynamic—an incredible inventory of private gestures performed in public spaces."

Crane is professor emeritus of photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. And represented by: Stephen Daiter Gallery, Chicago; Higher Pictures, New York; and Galerie François Paviot, Paris.

The first thing I noticed about the book is how regal it appears due to the binding and texture of the cover...it feels as if a fine nettish material has been embedded on to, and into, it. It's a great looking "coffeetable" book.

Halfway through the book, the first picture that caused me to pause and contemplate it, is one of a man using his forearm crutches. He is framed from his chest to his knees. I immediately began to wonder about the subject:

who is he?

why is he using crutches?

was it due to an accident?

does he have some disease?

how old is he?

After enjoying the aforementioned picture, I slowed my browsing. The next one I paused for is of two people...being show from their chest to their waists...warmly and affectionately holding each other around their waists. (It caused me to be reminded of how I would embrace my ex-wife. It's a good memory, and something I greatly enjoyed doing...which is why I was stopped in my browsing of the book by this picture.)

There are some shots that contain the faces of the subjects, but it is clear that the focus is on the body language of those in the pictures.

Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed...(review)

From her blog:

"My name is Zoe Margolis – also known as Abby Lee, or the Girl with a One Track Mind.

"Six years ago, I began writing my blog, Girl With A One-Track Mind, which, with complete honesty, detailed the ins-and-outs of my sex life, and my thoughts and feelings about the subject matter.

"During late 2005, I was approached by a publisher to write my first book, based on the blog, which was written under my pseudonymn, Abby Lee. On August 3rd 2006, the book was published....a newspaper decided to ‘out’ me and rid me of my anonymity.

"...My follow-up book Girl with a One Track Mind: Exposed is published by Pan Macmillan..."

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I haven't read her first book ("Girl with a One-Track Mind: Confessions of the Seductress Next Door"), and wanted to before reading this one ("Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed: Further Revelations of a Sex Blogger")...but was unable to get a copy. I asked Zoe if I should read the first book before the second...she said: "Not necessarily: each book stands on its own. But reading the first will give you something to compare against, however..."

============================

She begins the book with a position that reads:

"...to get the no-holds-barred low-down on blokes and shagging...it's so nice to have a male friend...to whom I can put my explicit questions and to be able to converse about sex..."

That goes both ways. It's great to be able to bluntly speak with a woman about: what they/she likes and dislikes, and how they/she feels (physically and emotionally).

After reading a few posts, I became a little frustrated because I don't know what year she's writing in: she gives the month and date, but not the year. (But as I'll explain later, I was able to compose a timeline by matching the dates given in the book with other information...)

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Reading her conversations with other women reminded me of a book I read in my late teens, around 1980, titled "How to Make Love to a Woman". That particular book will give young males some hints as to what women might be looking for...

To my surprise, she gives a bad review of the Rampant Rabbit adult accessory. I remember reading about it, and have known those who have purchased and used the device, but never been aware of someone who doesn't like it and its performance. I have known of one woman for whom it was not sturdy enough...she broke it. (The device I've read the most positive comments about is the "Magic Wand", though I've never personally known of a woman who has owned one.)

She mentions her concerns about having enough stamina to meet her expected upcoming encounter(s). I believe most guys find out "the hard way" that we can be outlasted by women. (I've developed a theory that...putting aside the morality of most people...due to they appear to enjoy and need more time during intimate encounters, women could best be served by two men at a time: tag-team titillation, if you will.)

A few more entries past the one regarding stamina...(to my surprise) she addresses the issue of two men and one woman! And, how for most it appears to be more taboo than two women and one man. Which leaves me a little confused, because...to me...morally it's the same difference. I guess it's more because of her preference (and not because of logistics and tactical analysis).

From her postings on her blog, and in her book(s), she has a message for women that I totally agree with: it is the responsibility of every woman to know what she likes, and how she wants to be pleasured...and not to be afraid to share that information. Every woman/person is different and prefers different things. I know of no one who can read minds, and very few that can correctly interpret and translate body language so...yes, ladies...it is greatly appreciated if you can make it as easy as possible for us (men) to know what buttons to push. There have been times when I wished a manual would have been provided before the first date.

On page 275, Zoe states what I just have in the previous paragraph: women need to know themselves, and also need to speak-up (so to speak)...

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As I get halfway through this book, I begin to understand that the first half of it contains writings created before the first book was was published. And I find I am correct: I have now arrived to where Zoe is aware that someone knows that she is the author of her first book.

A newspaper uncovered who she is. And, if Zoe is correctly quoting a voicemail message she received on her telephone, they are threatening to print pictures of her that they have...but if she gives an interview they will allow her to pose for their photographer. I'm not surprised to find that the newspaper is owned by Rupert Murdoch...

What did surprise me was, in an e-mail message to Zoe, the publication will also identify her mother, and her mother's address (in addition to Zoe's address). Why? Why is this necessary? Sometimes you just want to get a baseball bat and...

I was able to find the article on the newspaper's website dated August 2006. (There was an earlier article reviewing the book July 2006.)

Because of all of the publicity, she loses her job (because the employer doesn't have the guts to stick by her).

Throughout the book Zoe mentions how she would rather her mother and father not read her (first) book and blog...which leaves me a bit sad for her parents (and her). Only because she says how great her realtionship is with her parents, my belief is that if it is (that great)...their relationships should be able to handle ANYTHING.

As I get towards the end of the book she focuses on her insecurities of having satisfying relationships now that men are aware of the content of her first book. For all of her confidence that we have been exposed to, she appears to (continue to) have flashes of a little regret and intrepidation. I imagine there are many men who would love the opportunity to get to know her to find if she can be the one for them...of course she would need to find them appealing to her, and her needs and desires. Life is a pain in that way, ain't it?...

Because of everything, Zoe has had three identities: Zoe--her family name, "Abby Lee"--her sex blogger name, and "Katie"--a name she has used when dating after the first book was released and she was "outed". I've done the same. Members of family (including my ex-wives) call me by the name my mother gave to me at birth, my nickname ("S!ick") was given to me in junior high school by a student and has carried-over into my professional life, and...when I've felt it necessary...I have created other third identities so I can express myself and not felt the need to filter the content. Like Zoe/"Abby", I have said and posted things that others (in my personal life) took offense to...some as if I were attacking them when all I was doing was honestly expressing how I feel and my position on issues, as well as feeling free to create content of my choosing. I have also felt the need for a facade to explore beliefs and preferences without being falsely accused of anything, and having misunderstandings applied to who I really am.

"Hurrah!", I say to Zoe Margolis/"Abby Lee" for having the courage to contribute to the culture of humankind. Maybe we all might learn a little something more about ourselves and eachother.

book review, Racing While Black

Racing While Black
How an African-American Stock Car Team Made Its Mark on NASCAR

Leonard T. Miller, Andrew Simon

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As I began to read the book, I remembered in my mid-teens I had been to a drag race in Albuquerque in the mid-1970s that featured "Hell On Wheels": the car had a tank-styled theme. And, my first stepfather had an audio album recording of drag racing sounds. That's right, and album of nothing but drag racing...

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The book chronicles the experiences of a father and son who love racing and choose to own a team with the goal of participating in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). For all of their successes, there are many instances of overwhelming...and surprising examples of...lack of support from various types of people, white and black. Frustration is a constant theme within the book, as well as a love and passion for racing.

The negative responses from some Caucasians was not surprising. The described instances of unfulfilled agreements, and reneged commitments, greatly disturbed me. Those who said they were going to be helpful and abandoned Miller remind me of the phrase, "shooting oneself in the foot": they shot themselves in theirs (and shot Miller in his at the same time). There were potential sponsors that gave the impression they would participate, and never did. And major business organizations, and individuals, made commitments and did not honor them...but did attempt to take some credit for any glory and success that may have occurred.

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(Half-way through the book I thought this will make a great mini-series, or movie...and then I find...)

Leonard T. Miller is the screenwriter of the upcoming movie "Silent Thunder" which is based on the book by his father, Leonard W. Miller who is the first black owner of an American car racing team. HighRoad Entertainment has optioned the rights...

Ron Paul wants to "End the Fed"

I received a copy of "End the Fed". It's written by Ron Paul, a member of the House of Representatives from Texas.

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chapter 1

"In the United States, the central bank is the Federal Reserve, the instrument by which our money and credit are constantly manipulated..."

"I've written this book to explain why I think the system of Fed domination must come to an end..."

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In chapter 2 he begins to explain the origins of the Fed.

As I am reading, I'm keeping in mind that his opinion is that the Fed has faults.

He states that the gold standard does not allow for credit without limits.

After going through the chapter, I realize that I didn't learn why the Fed exists "in plain English". Maybe it's because I haven't thoroughly studied finance. Early into this book, I'm ready to strongly suggest you take your time reading it so you can try to understand what is being presented and put it into perspective for yourself.

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He recollects some of the financial history during the 1900s of the United States of America. Included is his perspective on money during his life. No matter how you feel about his postions, agree or disagree, to know the events and history of what helped to shape his feelings is interesting.

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In chapter 4 he recalls the creation of the Gold Commission. Which I was not able to find a lot of information about on the internet...and that seemed very weird to me. Maybe when I get over to my branch of the local library...

Paul believes that "If...we had returned to our senses in 1981, the problems and grave dangers we now face could have been averted."

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Chapter chapter 5, Conversations with Greenspan, is nice and meaty...he starts swinging hard:

"...Greenspan...visited the House Committee on Oversight and Reform...

"Most of his testimony was designed as an attempt to protect his reputation and to explain away his shortcomings a Federal Reserve Board chairman. His testimony was pathetic. He made the point that the computer programs that they were using to anticipate...problems were not well designed...

"History will show that Greenspan, during his years as Fed chairman...planted all the seeds of the finanacial calamity that erupted..."

==============================

As I went through the book, it caused me to have a lot of questions about finances and how the government perceives what is in our best interest. I will need time for study to try to answer all of the questions I now have about it all. There more I read, the more I want to pause and learn about...

This book is not difficult to understand. But unless you are involved in financial markets daily, you will need to take your time to understand what Paul is presenting.

I also intend to seek out other opinions of this book: they will be interesting, and might help me to formulate my own opinion that I can explain and fully support.

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"End the Fed" is published by Grand Central Publishing. It's available in hardcover, paperback (large print available), Adobe ebook, CD audio, and downloadable audio.

A podcast, and an excerpt, are available at http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446549196.htm

His MySpace page is at http://www.myspace.com/ronpaul

we are a "Blended Nation"

Mike Tauber was kind to send to me a copy of his book, "Blended Nation: Portraits and Interviews of Mixed-Race America".

He took the photographs and conducted the interviews.

It is co-produced by Pamela Singh who holds (a Master's in International Finance & Economics from Columbia University and) a BA in social psychology from Connecticut College.

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Press Release

"Through a series of soulful photographs, personal vignettes, and poignant essays, Blended Nation...explores the experience of being mixed-race in twenty-first century America. As much a work of art as a piece of literature, this book profiles the fastest-growing demographic group in the United States, encouraging both contributors and readers to consider the place, practice, and experience of race in modern society...

"...Through portraits and interviews with mixed-race children, adults, and families, Mike Tauber and Pamela Singh literally invite their subjects to lend their faces and voices to a discussion of race in America. By allowing contributors to offer their own, and often differing perspectives, the authors create an immensely rich collection of thoughts, opinions, and unanswered questions such as: What happens to the identity of those individuals who are a quarter this, a half that, etc. who don’t visually correspond to any particular group when it comes to race, ethnicity and ancestry? Where do they fit? What box do they check? Most importantly, why is this even considered an issue?...

"...several contributors confess how they always felt ‘too black to be white and to white to be black’..."

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It's a great "coffee table book": 11 x 11 inches, 140 pages...

As I began to read the book, initially I felt hesitant to review it "too much": I immediately felt that the story of each individual would be unique. As mine is...

The pictures are gripping. I find myself closely studying the features of each person. I am intrigued. Then, I see the picture of someone whose facial features, in my opinion, look exactly as mine. And, I see that they are a member of the Blackfoot tribe...like I believe I am! I'm not sure what to do or think about that...

I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was when I read the statement from an African-American male who married a white woman...that his family had disowned him. I guess I can still be amazed that some could/would do that. (There are more of those incidents recounted in the book.) I was raised by my great-grandparents until I was nine years old. I don't remember if, when I was a child, I ever knew if there were any people who did not want me around. I suspect my great-grandparents, a White woman and Black man, did all they could to shield me from that. From my teenage years on, I remember incidents of others not wanting me around...

One woman profiled in the book stated that she has identified her heritage as "hybrid" on forms. I wish I had thought of that...I hope I can remember it.

During my formative years the difinitive and accepted term for the times was "Black". And that's what I became. I have nothing against the term African-American, other than it doesn't describe me: I am of African decent, but an American citizen. I can live with "American-African"...

Depending on who has said it, and how they meant it, I have accepted "Negro" as well as "Colored":

When I was in high school in West Germany, 1978-1979, I lived in a dormitory. I played American-style football on the school team. There was only one person I'm aware of who would allow some of us...who were Black...to stay with her on the weekends. I remember being prepared by some of my teamates as I walked to meet her for the first time: "...Now...you need to understand...she's an old white woman...kind of set in her ways...she don't mean no harm...Mrs. Case is just the way she is..."

Mrs. Case, a white woman, would feed us and make sure we were OK and safe. I don't know what her past is, but Mrs. Case described us as (her) "colored boys": "...my boys will be over this weekend...you know, my colored boys that stay with me." If you ever took the time to get to know Mrs. Case, you would realize that...this is the only way she ever knew and understood as to how refer to us. For whatever reason, she didn't use "black" on "negro". In her defense (which I will always be), maybe because (to her) those terms were demeaning/derogatory/antagonistic. Who knows why, and it doesn't matter why. I expect something in her past led her to use the terminology the way she did. We could tell by her actions that her use of the term "colored" was intended and meant to be used with much love and affection, and we accepted her support. We listened to her heart, and not her words...

(In an episode of Barney Miller, a character refers to Harris as "Colored". Yamana says: "I'm colored. He's black..." That was he first time I've ever heard someone Asian described that way. He's not wrong; until then, I never knew he was right.)

I proudly proclaim to be a "mutt". I can imagine it causes some distress for some of my family members, but it's the term that I am VERY comfortable with for myself. Sometimes my nose is cold and wet, I might bite, and when music makes me happy I will "wag my tail".

Like their daddy, I like to describe my kids as "a mess": they are Black, White, Italian, Jewish, Chinese, Philipino, Mexican, Native...and those are the ones I know of! (Including the kids...)

Sometimes I feel I need to have a doctorate to know what really is the absolute correct word to use in discussions like this. I shall always demand that the answer to the question of race be "human". After that, I need access to a dictionary, and a thesaurus...as well as an anthropologist.

As I look at the photographs in the book all I can think of is how beautiful these people are. Well...that and I'm trying to figure-out which of the women are single. (As if it might matter to me...)

I was thinking about who I wanted to share this book with, and inform about it. One thing I thought of that is kinda funny to me is that I'm beginning to feel a little sorry for some people in my life: "Oh...you poor thing...you're ONLY white...what a shame..."

I don't know enough about my lineage. I've never met my father, and I'm not absolutely sure about all of the different types of ancestors that I have evolved from. That situation will contiue to grow for humans in general: only with meticulous record keeping will some...and I expect it to be very few...be able to trace and detail from which their family came.

oldest/longest DJ has a book, and stories to tell

After receiving a copy of "Burying Don Imus: Anatomy of a Scapegoat", I received "The Cool Gent: The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent" from the distributor.

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As I began to read the preface, because I'm a radio personality, I immediately appreciated that the book is written as if he's reading it to me.

He states:

"...what this book you're holding is about--the story of a little guy who wanted to be on the radio since he was a whippersnapper, finally gets in, succeeds greatly, crashes, recovers, and rises to the top of radio again..."

(I have a huge feeling that this roller coaster-of-a-ride story is going to sound very familiar to me...and give me some deja vu.)

"Be warned...this book contains adult situations, graphic language, sexual content, and strong drug and alcohol references..."

(Now, I wonder if he and I ever worked...and/or partied...together.)

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As he begins the first chapter, he states that he...like me...never knew his father. And now I have a feeling that as I continue through the book I'll be seeking other incidents that I can relate to, and have experienced. He describes his lineage of having some native ancestry (as do I)...again I'm drawn to having more of a personal connection with the author than being able to just read the book. I'm not sure what my response will be if I get to the end of this book and find that we are distant cousins, or something like that...

At the age of five, he recalls what can be defined as child abuse. Before you assume what may have happened: stop...and don't. What did happen put me a little off balance, but after being aware of events that have happened to members my family (and some friends), I wasn't surprised at all. (I've always hated leaving my children with others. I have always recommened that people don't. Later in life, you might be thankful that you didn't...or regret that you did.)

Kent mentions that one Christmas he received a radio. (Every so often I remember that I did, also.) He also describes building crystal radio sets, receivers with tubes, and more. As I read his descriptions I can sense his excitement about it, and I wish I had done so. Maybe I will...

This book can elighten a lot of people about a lot of things. You can read about how things were in radio broadcasting...which may help you to understand why things now are the way there are. The path some had to take to get into radio. And what we radio personalities had to, and do, go through for our profession. Some of what we think about in regards to the craft of being a disc jockey, and personality...

Half-way through the book it is appears that rest will be filled with stories with rooted in Chicago. Which is fine...it's just that I need to prepare to expect everything upcoming might be of more interest to someone who lived in that area at that time, or now lives there.

He tells a lot of stories about artists, events, and record companies. And how they relate to his personal life. But he will not discuss his one and only marriage. Due to what has happened in my personal life around marriages and engagements, I guess I don't have a problem with that. But, I wish he would have given some information about why he didn't want to talk about it: I guess I don't need the details, but how about an idea about why he won't reveal any details? (For example, there are details I don't want to share because it could involve others in legal problems that they have never been tied to.)

There are a lot of things that Kent writes about that I can surprisingly relate to: activities relating to personal relationships, professional stuggles that affect personal health and safety, and challenges to basic survival.

Kent has been inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest career as a DJ.

After reading the book, I found I was correct in my initial assumptions of this review: (with the exception of being in the Guiness Book of World Records) there's a lot about us that's very similar. I would love to spend a week with him and record our conversations about radio and life...where we could compare stories, and debate subjects and issues.

book review: Burying Don Imus

Thanks to the University of Minnesota Press for providing a copy of "Burying Don Imus: Anatomy of a Scapegoat".

The author, Michael Awkward, is a professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, at the University of Michigan.

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When I became aware of this book, I was excited to review it. I've been in radio broadcasting since 1979, and somewhat of a fan of Imus.

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In the covering paper jacket of the hardback book, is written: "...Awkward privides the first balanced, critical analysis of Imus's comments..."

OK...we'll see...

In the preface: "This book explores why so many...felt that Imus's symbolic burial was utterly necessary.."

In the first chapter is a nice two paragraph setup of the career and caricature (if you will) of Imus. It's probably good that Awkward did that, because some who have attacked Imus didn't understand what he has done, and what he does: the style of his programs which have been very consistent...and acceptable in the past (until being fired from MSNBC).

Throughout the chapter, Awkward does a great job of explaining the tone of the program before Imus was fired. If you don't know where Imus came from, you probably don't understand how he got to where he was/is.

Something arose early in the book that annoyed me. (And I expected it would for the rest of the book.) I believe the fault belongs to the publisher. To access a footnote: I had to go to the rear of the book, locate the "Notes" section, and find the note that relates to the chapter...c'mon! Put footnotes, that relate to the chapter I'm reading, at the end of the chapter they are in.

Awkward states that he does not agree with the explanation Imus gave about why the Rutgers womens basketball team should not be made fun of. I won't try to speak for Awkward...I think it's best that it be read from his book so you can find if you understand, and agree, with his position. Due to my personal morals, I will say that I can somewhat agree with Awkward on this.

I almost want to close my review here. With Awkward stating that the basketball team is "fair game", I think that alone should be enough for a lot of people to want to read the book.

Towards the end of the first chapter, he states: "My intention in the following pages is to continue what Imus...started: to consider his skit in terms of the broad 'conext [of] what happens on this program'...the responses to it...the art of comedy...I hope to demonstrate that the conclusions at which people arrived about the nature of the nappy-headed hos skit reflect a failure to consider the comedic context..."

And that is VERY important. In my professional, and personal, life...many things have not been considered in proper and reasonable context. To attempt to defend against misunderstandings and misinterpretations, effort intensive and time consuming framing has been needed to keep material clearly defined. Which, after doing so, depreciates the worth of the attempt at comedy and/or "the joke". Bad jokes happen. Get over it.

In chapter six, "The Appeal of Imus in the Morning", Awkward states he was never aware of Imus until the show was on MSNBC. (I've known about, and tried to study, Imus since I began my radio career.) Because of what I've read in the chapter, I can say that Awkward "gets it".

Awkward mentions his memoirs, "Scenes of Instruction"...which I believe helped him to be open to understanding the program and those of us who like it. (I haven't read "Scenes of Instruction", but I suspect that when I write my memoirs they'll have a similar tone.)

At the end of the book, some post-MSNBC incidents are noted: a comment Imus made about Adam "Pac Man" Jones, a joke by Bernie Mac (that the audience at a fund-raiser for Barak Obama did not appreciate), and D.L. Hughley agreeing with Imus (about the appearance of the basketball team).

Good book. If you were of the opinion that Imus was evil, is evil, should have been fired, and should not have a stage...this book could cause you to consider how attempts at comedy can be viewed, and what can be considered acceptable behavior and attitudes in certain environments by some.

"Beer in Hell" book is worth reading/owning

I received a copy of the book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell from the assistant to Tucker Max. (Thanks, Ian...)

Tucker Tibor Max put together a bunch of short stories about his life. (Due to the success of the book, a movie of the same title was made.) This isn't just any old regular boring biography...created in 2002, his website sets the stage for the stories he tells:

"My name is Tucker Max, and I am an asshole.

"I get excessively drunk at inappropriate times, disregard social norms, indulge every whim, ignore the consequences of my actions, mock idiots and posers, sleep with more women than is safe or reasonable, and just generally act like a raging dickhead.

"But, I do contribute to humanity in one very important way. I share my adventures with the world..."

I already like this guy...you know what you're gonna get before you get it. Now, it's up to you to walk away...or deal with it.

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According to posts on Max's website:

"...The stories are true, but they are from over 10 years of partying...

"...these stories are not perfect forensic accounts of everything that happens to me all the time. They are my best recollections of events that usually occur when I am drunk, edited down to the best, most entertaining parts...(sometimes I have to intentionally change details to avoid jail), but the basic facts are all true...

"...The three stories that seem to get the most drawback are The Austin Roadtrip Story, The Buttsex Story and The Absinthe Donuts Story...

"The Absinthe Donuts Story: ...This was written the day after it happened, and I thought I'd get in trouble...so I changed a bunch of details...it wasn't a donut shop..It was chain that sells food...I guess the problem is that some people don't believe that could happen without a police report being filed, and I should provide that as evidence.

"...if a police report existed, I would not fucking provide it because then I'd have to fucking take responsibility for the crime, pay for it, and good forbid be liable for jail time.

"...either you can believe it or not..."

I like his attitude. (As a child) I stopped trying to convince people to believe that I was telling the truth: it was a lot of effort for people who just weren't worth it. When you tell the truth, and are not believed...what else do you have to work with? You loose. And how important is it that a particular person believes you, anyway?

Some people will frown upon the actions of this asshole...but not me: the people that allowed him to behave they way he has can be just as guilty for feeding the animal. (A very long time ago I seemed to have lost my ability to be shocked and horrified: I know of too many things people have done that are very much not "normal" and against conservative morals. And, trying to be very liberal regarding some lifestyle choices and activities, I just try to "live and let live".)

For many years I've been looking forward to writing books about my personal and professional lives. Some won't believe the stories, and other will be appalled to know of some things I have been aware of, done and participated in. But, as this book is, I'm sure it'll be good reading...

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I read the first story in the book, "The Famous Sushi Pants Story", and decided to not read the entire book and then post a review. Because these are short stories, and I expect the rest of the stories to be formatted as "Sushi Pants" was, you should be able to read a story when you need to kill some time...and then put down the book and do something else. Buy the book, and keep it handy for those types of times during a day.

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In 2003, he posted an account of his relationship with 1999's "Miss Vermont". She filed a lawsuit stating that her privacy had been invaded, and a judge ordered Max to not write about her. Later, the former "Miss Vermont" dismissed the lawsuit. (Again, I say: at various times, someone fed the "monster"...)

A page on his website I love is the "Date Application": he's up-front about his likes, dislikes, and expectations that hopefully will save him...and other women...a lot of wasted time from having to do what I call the "date dance" (where we spend a lot of unnecessary time with eachother to later find that it really wasn't worth it).

I don't "date"...never have. I've spent time with women...doing "something", and doing "nothing"...but that's it. When I've taken a woman to a movie, it's because one or both of us wanted to see it. When I've taken a woman out to eat it's because one or both of us were hungry, or wanted to try the food at the joint. To feel as if I needed to create an event and spend money to spend time with someone has always been the first sign that I need to reconsider what kind of relationship I should be having with that person. I think this is where Max and I kinda think alike. (You can imagine my attitude towards "Valentine's Day"...and Christmas...I'm more lenient when it comes to birthdays, unless you EXPECT me to get a present.)

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Max founded Rudius Media, an internet-based publishing outlet and management firm. It has closed. Too bad...I would have been VERY interested to see what projects might have come from them...

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I haven't had a chance to see the movie based on the book...the website for the movie is http://www.ihopetheyservebeerinhell.com

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His Twitter account is http://twitter.com/tuckermax, and his MySpace account is http://www.myspace.com/TuckerMax

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Before IHTSBiH (I'm too damn lazy to type the entire title, and even copy and past...yet still write enough verbage that takes up more space than doing the former would) he wrote two other books. The Definitive Book of Pick-Up Lines, and Belligerence and Debauchery: The Tucker Max Stories. He explains: "They are out of print, on purpose. I took B&D out of print because it was nothing more than reprints of stories already on my site. I took The Definitive Book of Pick-Up Lines out of print because it was fairly amateurish, and I didn't want my name on it without substantially improving it. I think you can get these used in some places, but I would NOT recommend buying either. B&D is all on my site, and the pick-up line book is kinda crappy..."

http://www.tuckermax.com/archives/print/answers_to_ques.phtml

http://www.tuckermax.com/archives/entries/date/my_old_books.phtml

There might be a sequel to I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, titled Assholes Finish First. I'm looking forward to it, and I've only read one story of IHTSBiH! Get IHTSBiH now and you won't need to try to catch-up when his new book is available.